Domenick Michael Joseph DeFrancisco (aka Don, Grandpa Don, Poppy) was born on May 8, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2023.
After serving our country in the Marines, Don worked for a window repair company and was a bartender, until starting his own repair business, Don’s Home Repairs, which thrived for more than 40 years. He was always willing to help family, friends and neighbors with any home repairs or projects, and he was so extremely handy and mechanically inclined that he could do just about anything. Whatever he was doing, 99% of the time he would be wearing his signature outfit of blue jeans and a white t-shirt (with a grey sweatshirt in the winter), along with a stocking cap or sweatband. Most of the time he also had one or more of his fingers wrapped in black electrical tape because, hey, who’s got time for Band-Aids?
Don’s passions were bowling, tinkering in the garage, working on his house (eternally) and just putzing around, in general. He also loved to talk and never met a person he didn’t enjoy talking to. Later in life, Don could be found playing games on his computer, watching old TV shows, sitting on the patio enjoying the fresh air, or eating one of his favorite meals – spaghetti and meatballs.
Don is survived by his long-time partner of 53 years, Norma Jo Daly; children, Michael and Patricia DeFrancisco; stepchildren, Laura Daly and the late Chad Daly; and grandchildren, Cameryn Daly, and Zachary and Zo Warren. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Frances (Clausi) DeFrancisco and his brothers Guy and Albert.
Don lived a full, simple, happy life, with one of his favorite sayings being, “If you have everything you need, and a few things you want, life is good”. He will be greatly missed, and his memory will be forever cherished.
Per Don’s wishes, there is no visitation, and no services are planned. If you would like to memorialize Don, please make a donation in his name to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
